Anheuser-Busch InBev is to pay Kirin up to AUD300m (US$223m) in compensation after terminating a distribution agreement in Australia.

Kirin handles Corona for AB InBev in Australia

Kirin's Australian unit, Lion, handles a number of AB InBev brands in the country, including Corona, but is to lose its distribution deal to the SABMiller-owned Carlton & United Breweries (CUB). Today, Kirin announced it has been notified of the termination and expects compensation of between AUD250m-300m.

The switch to CUB will take place at the end of September and payment will be made in the second half of this year, Kirin said.

The termination comes after AB InBev received the green light last month from Australian regulatory authorities for its bid for SABMiller. In granting its approval, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission noted that AB InBev had confirmed its intention to terminate its distribution deal with Lion. It said that if the deal had continued it would have "increased the ability and incentive for coordination between Lion and AB InBev/SABMiller".

A spokesperson for SABMiller told just-drinks today that the termination was one that "AB InBev has determined as a result of its arrangements with Lion".

You are agreeing for just-drinks.com to send you newsletters and/or other information about our products and services that are relevant to you by email.
Clicking above tells us that you're OK with both this and with our privacy policy, terms and conditions and cookie policy.
You can opt out of individual newsletters or contact methods at any time in the 'Your Account' area.